A Bright Light To The World

There are many names and titles for Jesus Christ. One of them is “The Light“. He is referred to multiple times in the scriptures as “The Light of the world“,  “The Light of Men” and “The True Light“.

In addition to Jesus being the light, those who choose to follow him are promised to receive a portion of his light individually and collectively, and thus also become a light to the world.

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Although we cannot see Jesus physically right now, we can feel the warmth and power of his presence within us. Described as light, the power of Christ encompasses feelings and emotions which are positive: Comfort, peace, happiness, love, kindness, patience, humility, forgiveness, and anything else which lifts our soul, and dispels the negative.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) take the command very seriously to shine forth. We desire to fill the dark and dreary world with the eternally burning light and hope of Christ for those who do not know him yet. And, for those who already have received the light and love of Jesus – we offer the opportunity to increase that light.

When someone carries the light of Christ’s gospel and has internalized it, the light changes their soul. There is a powerful “Spiritual Reaction”, not unlike the power of a chemical reaction. This ‘spiritual reaction’ creates a conversion of a soul from darkness to light – and gradually from light, to greater light.

“That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. ” – D&C 50:24

This increased intensity of light (joy, peace, spiritual understanding) within our soul creates action and motion! The more light we have, the more potential energy it produces.

“And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.” – Exodus 18:20

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“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” –  Eph. 5:8

Note the words “walk” , “work“, and “do” imply action.

Those who share light, find that their own light grows stronger, and their capacity to shine brighter, increases.

The Light of Christ is found within all souls born to this earth, whether they know him yet, or not. We are each children of God, and therefore have unlimited potential to grow, learn and progress spiritually.

“Every child of Heavenly Father born in the world is given at birth, as a free gift, the Light of Christ. You have felt that. It is the sense of what is right and what is wrong and what is true and what is false. That has been with you since your journey in life began.” – President Henry B. Eyring, apostle

If light is good, then more light is even better! The message of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not to take away light, but to share more light and understanding which is now available. A metaphorical upgrade from a candle to a halogen lamp with unlimited power supply.

The concept of more should not be new to Christians. When Jesus Christ came into the world, he was offering more light and knowledge to the earth. Some people didn’t like the idea. They already had light and truth, and it seemed to be working just fine. Change made them uncomfortable. Their subsequent anger was rooted in fear that Jesus was coming to take their light away. The Savior continually reassured them:

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” –  Matthew 5:17

Jesus did not destroy- he built upon what was already there. He fulfilled the Law of Moses, in order to give the higher, brighter Law of the Gospel  which clarified and unified religious interpretation of the day. As the Son of God, and the great Creator of earth, Jesus has the power and authority to reveal light and truth at any time. And he does.

On a spring morning in 1820 a 14-year old farm boy named Joseph Smith went into some trees near his home to speak to God privately. He desired to know which church was true. He offered a humble prayer that was answered by God personally:

“I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. . . When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” ( Joseph Smith—History 1:16–17).

God our Father, and His Son Jesus Christ chose to appear and bring more light and truth to the earth. Jesus chose a humble boy named Joseph to be his witness. This was the beginning of a restoration which would include priesthood power, living prophets and apostles, additional scripture, the blessing of restored temple covenants, and indeed, a restoration of  “all things” as prophesied by the Apostle Peter.

Once again, Jesus Christ did not come to destroy light that already existed, but to fulfil , restore, and strengthen.

As a follower of Jesus Christ in these “Latter-days” of earth, I invite you to share in this brilliant and wonderful light. I testify that you are a child of God who was born with light, and He has more light to add to your lamp! God is not dead. He hears and answers your prayers as you seek for truth. He is speaking through living prophets and apostles today, just as anciently, to guide us through these perilous times. We live in the days prophesied by Isaiah:

” And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.”  – Isaiah 2:2

A Light On A Hill

To learn more, please visit: mormon.org